Program Details
AAS in Respiratory Therapy Technology
Associate of Applied ScienceCentral Virginia Community College
To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Considerations for Selecting Degree | 12 clinical hours are required each week |
Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes Admission is competitive and based on grades, performance on the College’s placement tests, interviews, and demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in an allied health care field . Students should schedule an appointment with a counselor to discuss general admission to the college and to the respiratory therapy program. Students should complete the Allied Health application process by April 15, prior to the fall semester of desired admission. Late applicants will be considered if there are available positions in the program. Applicants must successfully complete a background check prior to final admission into the program. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Adherence to the guided pathway ensures completion of the program in a timely manner
|
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | Students are required to submit a background check along with health and immunization records. 12 clinal hours are required each week. |
Doing More With Your Degree | |
Program Successes & Highlights | Professional focus on cardiopulmonary system. The program has 100% job placement of graduates. |
Program Credit Requirements

Please note that some courses may count towards more than one requirement such as meeting a general education requirement and a major specific requirement. The course will be listed under the first matching requirement. Please contact the institution with questions.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Associate Transfer Degree Completion | For students transferring to CVCC with an associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution, SDV 100 credit is awarded. Additional coursework will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis. Transfer credit will be awarded for equivalent coursework from regionally accredited institutions for which the student earned a grade of C or higher. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | For students transferring to CVCC with an associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution, SDV 100 credit is awarded. Additional coursework will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis. Transfer credit will be awarded for equivalent coursework from regionally accredited institutions for which the student earned a grade of C or higher. |
Credit for Prior Learning | CVCC awards credit for qualifying scores in AP, CLEP, DANTES, and institutional challenge exams. Credit may also be granted for military service and formal learning experiences. |
Did You Know That... |
|
College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Is This College Right For Me? | Students are drawn to CVCC’s affordable tuition rates, convenient locations (Lynchburg, Amherst, Appomattox, and Bedford), small classes, and a variety of online and on-campus course offerings. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | |
First Year Student Catalog Year | The catalog used to determine graduation requirements is the one in effect at the time of the initial program placement into the plan from which they are graduating or any subsequent catalog of their choice. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://www.vccs.edu/transfer-programs/ |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.
Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Mountain Empire Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | Respiratory Therapy, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
---|---|---|---|
25-1071.00 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
29-2099.00 | Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | All health technologists and technicians not listed separately. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
29-2099.01 | Neurodiagnostic Technologists | Conduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
29-2099.05 | Ophthalmic Medical Technologists | Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and ophthalmic photography. Provide instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Assist with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments. May perform eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct patients in care and use of corrective lenses. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
29-2099.08 | Patient Representatives | Assist patients in obtaining services, understanding policies and making health care decisions. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
29-1126.00 | Respiratory Therapists | Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
Cost To Complete

Ready To Enroll?
- Find the program you want and apply here. OR
- Contact a navigator using the form below and they will guide you through the enrollment process.